Frequently Asked Questions

Translation FAQs

General Questions

What language services do you provide?

We offer a full spectrum of language services including translation, interpreting and multi-lingual typesetting and DTP, multi-lingual subtitling. We offer most complimentary services to these so just ask us and we will find a suitable service to help your organisation.

What is the difference between translation and interpreting?

Translation refers to process of changing written text from one language to another whilst interpreting refers to the act of facilitating oral communication between users of different languages.

Where can I find pricing information for your services?

You can view our pricing schedule for all our services here. You can also contact us for a free quote.

Can you provide me with a free quote?

Yes we can. Simply use our instant quote form or contact us directly via our phone number or email to speak to one of our representatives.

What payment methods do you offer?

Credit is available to Australian businesses with a valid ABN. Where credit is given, terms are strictly 7 days. Organisations that are granted credit will be invoiced at the completion of the project. For individuals and any other organisation without an ABN, payment must be received before the project can commence. Payment options include Bank Transfer, EFT, Cheque, Cash and Money Order.

Translation Questions

What is translation?

Translation is the process of changing the text from one language to another whilst conveying the same meaning as demonstrated in the source text.

Why should I have my documents professionally translated?

Professional translation differs greatly from machine translation (such as Google Translate). At EthnoLink, every translation is carried out by a translator who is native in the language to which the document is being translated – this helps ensure that the translation ‘reads well’ in the target language and that the proper meaning is being conveyed.

All of EthnoLink’s translators are accredited Australian translators who have received accreditation in their language from NAATI (The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters). All translated documents that are submitted to government departments or subordinate authorities are required to have certification from a NAATI accredited translator. Working with a professional translator is a way to mitigate the risk that can be associated with doing business in a language that is unfamiliar to you. Can you really risk your reputation and credibility by having a friend or co-worker perform a translation for you? Or even worse, a machine?

How much does a translation cost?

You can view our pricing schedule online at our pricing and payment page. The cost of translation is dependent on a number of factors including the number of words, the complexity of the text and the urgency of the project. Even though most language service providers in Australia refuse to disclose their pricing schedule to clients, we feel that our pricing is very competitive and as such we are more than happy to provide this information to you. We also can provide you with a free quote online or through correspondence with one of our consultants over the phone. Contact us today to get a firm quote for your project.

What languages do you translate into and from?

We work with more than 150 languages including the more common business languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French, Arabic, Italian and Spanish as well as rarer languages. Please view our language list to see if the language you are looking for is listed. If you can’t see the language you are looking for please contact us and we will endeavour to find a suitable translator for you in your languages.

What types of documents do you translate?

We translate all business and personal documents no matter how big or small. We have the scale to manage large multi-lingual projects and the personal touch to manage the translation of smaller personal documents.

Personal documents that we translate include:

Birth Certificates

Marriage Certificates

Driver’s Licenses

Passports

Death Certificates

Police Checks

Identification Cards

University Degrees

Divorce Certificates

School Diplomas

Reference Letters

Other personal documents

How long does it take to translate a document?

This is a very difficult question to answer as it is completely dependent on the field and complexity of the translation. Generally speaking, personal documents can be translated within 2-3 business days. We always work with our clients to ensure that we can meet business deadlines. If necessary, we can arrange a team of translators to work collaboratively on your documents to ensure that deadlines are met. If you have an urgent translation please contact us immediately and we will arrange for your translation to be expedited.

Contact Us

Fast efficient service. I used the chat line on a Saturday afternoon and a real person responded and helped me with all my questions. The translation was arranged in a matter of an hour and I got a draft on the Monday!!! Would happily recommend this service to anyone needing documents translated. The staff handling the request via email were prompt and very polite. I have not encountered such wonderful service in a long time. They are to be congratulated.

I wish all services provided such fast and clear communication with their customers. I needed 5 pages of documents translated fast for my visa application. EthnoLink were very well priced, excellent quality and they always responded to my emails within a few minutes, even on the weekend. I would definitely recommend this translation service to others who need documents translated.

First time I used this service and it couldn't have been better. Found myself in a pickle, arriving in Australia and not having a valid international driver's license. After finding out that my own driving license would be accepted here (for driving on holiday) as long as it were translated into english, I chose EthnoLink for the service. After 24 hours I had a pdf copy of my translation, and 2 days later the hard copy came on the mail. No fuss, no problems! Great service! Thank you so much for your help! Would, and will, use this service again whenever needed. Five star service!

Service absolutely friendly, aware and flexible. Translation quality in a difficult legal context immaculate. Only thing I as a Western European had a bit difficulty with is paying up front, without knowing what you get. That is illegal in many other countries than Australia, as we legally protect customer rights over company rights. But this won't stop me from going back to this perfect service.

Great Service & price for translation from Vietnamese to English. The staff reads your email & answers your questions to make sure you get the service you require rather than push the service on you. This was paramount for me since my translations had to be acceptable by the Australian government. Will use & recommend this service provider again even if they charged more than others but they don't. Same price as others but much better service. Why would you go elsewhere?

I highly recommend the services of EthnoLink. They were very professional, courteous and efficient. I needed to have my license translated and it was done in no time at all and no hassles. Thank you again, Andrea and team!